Veteran flyhalf George Whitehead has credited his teammates for the decisive penalty that clinched the Currie Cup title for Griquas against the Lions at Ellis Park.
For the second year in a row, the Lions were beaten after the final hooter in the domestic decider. This time it was lock Ruan Delport’s deliberate knockdown that handed Whitehead the chance to seal a 27-25 victory in the 83rd minute.
The Lions had just taken the lead through replacement flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela’s penalty with less than a minute left, before Whitehead wrote himself into the history books.
It was Griquas’ fourth Currie Cup title, and their first in 55 years.
REPORT: Ice-cold Whitehead wins it for Griquas
“All I had to do was kick the penalty over,” said Whitehead. “I want to thank the team for getting us in that position and creating the opportunity at the end.
“I’m lucky to still be fit enough to play, and I really enjoy running out with this group of guys. I appreciate the coach backing me for this game. This is the biggest win for me personally, and for the union.”
Captain Cebo Dlamini hailed Whitehead’s composure and revealed the personal significance behind his heroics.
“George said it would have been his late dad’s birthday today,” said Dlamini. “I’m extremely proud of him. He’s been a great leader and supported me in this captaincy role. It’s fantastic to be part of this.”
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images
